Down by the Water

Down at the seashore
I watched my young daughter
playing with her brother
in the ocean water.

Splashing and laughing,
their innocence glistened.
I'd told them, “be careful,”
and clearly they listened.

They did not wander,
they stayed in the shallow,
respecting their elder,
wee humans so callow.

They're my sweet angels.
They're never a bother.
They've recovered somewhat
from losing their father.

He died last August,
a battleship crewman,
my strength and soulmate,
a wonderful human.

I'll never forget
the life we had before
as I watch the water
roll onto the seashore.